Major Nidal Hasan Trial Underway

FORT HOOD, TX (KXXV) -

The trial for Major Nidal Hasan is underway on Ft. Hood and in his opening statement, Hasan apologized for his actions for the first time ever.

Hasan is acting as his own attorney and it took him only two minutes for his opening statements. After Hasan, prosecutors told jurors he deliberately targeted soldiers and planned to kill as many as he could.

Hasan confessed he made a mistake and told jurors, "The evidence will clearly show that I'm the shooter. We are imperfect Muslims trying to establish the perfect religion. I apologize for any mistakes I made."

Twelve witnesses testified, including Hasan's boss and employees from the gun store where he purchased the guns before the attack.

Military law expert, Steve Walden says Hasan isn't really asking any questions of the witness so far.

"He did get into some questioning of his former boss today, but the judge stopped some of the line of questioning," Walden said.

A survivor who was shot several times took the stand on Tuesday.

"Retired Staff Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford testified to being shot seven times by Hasan and praised three fellow SRP employees for rendering medical aid under gunfire," Ft. Hood Public Information officer Tom Theinlander said in a statement.

"As you can imagine for a lot of these victims, this will be the first time they come face to face with the shooter, their attacker, and having the opportunity to cross examine them since he is his own attorney in his own case," Walden said. "That allows him to be able to ask questions directly."

The judge told military officers to prepare for trial to last for at least three months.

"They have to go through the full course trial and actually prove him guilty and then from there have the sentencing and find out if the death penalty is appropriate, Walden said.

Also, a civilian employee, Michelle Harper, testified to seeing another soldier shot. The court will reconvene on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Just weeks after receiving emergency aid, the Department of Veterans Affairs is cautioning that a private-sector health program backed by President Donald Trump could run low on money again sooner than expected.More >>

Just weeks after receiving emergency aid, the Department of Veterans Affairs is cautioning that a private-sector health program backed by President Donald Trump could run low on money again sooner than expected.More >>